WHERE TO LIVE IN BANGKOK 1

Where to Live in Bangkok

OFFICE LOCATION

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission is located on Rajdamnern Nok

Avenue.

Rajdamnern Nok Avenue links the Grand Palace to Dusit Palace in the new royal district,

ending at the Royal Plaza in front of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. Inspired by the

Champs-Élysées. The King and the royal family used the road as a route for grand royal

parades. Today the Rajdamnern Avenue serves as a major throughfare bringing traffic

into the old city center and across Phra Pinklao Bridge to Thonburi, which is the other side

of Bangkok. The Rajdamnern Nok avenue is bordered by government offices including

the Government House and Democracy Monument.

WHERE TO LIVE IN BANGKOK 2

CONDITIONS OF HOUSING

As Bangkok covers a wide area and suffers from severe traffic congestion, the choice of residence

depends on its proximity to the office or school. Before deciding on where to stay, consider the

following:

a) How far is the home from the office, school and expressway access?

b) Is the water supply adequate?

c) Are there obvious electrical hazards?

d) Do electrical and gas appliances work?

e) Do balconies have a sturdy, high railing?

f) Do the telephones work?

g) Does the road and the compound flood in the rainy season? Is the road one-way?

h) Is the home screened against mosquitoes and flies?

i) Are the surroundings reasonably clean?

j) Is the property adequately fenced against stray dogs and burglars?

k) Ask that gas hot water heaters be exchanged for electrical ones.

l) Visit at least twice to check the noise, traffic congestion and pollution at different times of

the day.

m) Ask for improvements if necessary, such as furniture, lamps, fans, repainting.

PREFERRED NEIGHBOURHOODS

Popular neighborhoods for internationally relocated staff include the Central Business

District, Sathon, Silom and Sukhumvit. Living anywhere near the BTS line (sky train) will

ensure that traffic conditions not affect your commute.

The central Sathon/Silom area houses many embassies, the Siam Kempinski,

Intercontinental and Grand Hyatt hotels, as well as big shopping malls like Siam Paragon,

Central World and Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious university, Chulalongkorn

University. Lumphini Park, the biggest park in the downtown, is also located here.

Apartments and condominiums abound, especially around the Chidlom and Ploenchit

BTS stops, and along Ratchadamri, Lang Suan, Wireless, and Ruam Rudee Roads. There

are a few single houses and townhouses, but this is city living with high rises, food shops,

bars and restaurants. There are excellent service apartments along Langsuan Road. The

more popular ones are Cape House, Center Point, and Mayfair Marriott Executive

apartments.

WHERE TO LIVE IN BANGKOK 3

➢ SATHON / SILOM

Click: SATHON/SILOM Map

Sathon / Silom area is just south of the Central area and serviced by both the BTS (sky

train) and MRT (underground) lines. There are three main roads – Sathon, Silom and

Surawong, with many small roads that run between them. Traffic here can sometimes be

a challenge. Sathon is the road that runs to the central ferry pier on the Chao Phraya

River and continues on across Taksin Bridge.

The area is an old and established, interesting mixture of tourist and local haunts. The

British Club and Neilson Hays Library are located here. There is an Indian Hindu temple

and two Christian churches. Less family friendly is the Patpong area, the oldest red-light

district here.

Apartments, condos, private houses, townhouses and at least one gated housing

community are tucked away in the tiny roads and on the grand avenues. Some of the

best views of downtown Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River are from high-rise

apartments buildings in this area.

How far from Sathon / Silom to the UNESCAP Building:

- From Sathon to Rajdamnern (UNESCAP): 4.9 kilometers, about 24-minute driving

- From Silom to Rajdamnern (UNESCAP): 7.0 kilometers, about 25-minute or 30-

minute driving

Means of Public Transportation

- Taxi

- Skytrain (BTS) – Sala Dang Station and Chong Nonsi Station

- Underground (MRT) – Silom Station

WHERE TO LIVE IN BANGKOK 4

➢ PLOENCHIT / CHIDLOM

Click: PLOENCHIT / CHIDLOM Map

Description:

Ploenchit and Chidlom is the area of downtown Bangkok all urbanites aspire to be. If the Riverside

traces Bangkok's rich historical roots, Ploenchit Road, Chitlom, Ratchadamri, Lang Suan and

Wireless Road represent the new face of Bangkok. Shaped by high rise offices, upscale

apartments, embassies, expensive shopping malls and luxury hotels, the area is low on traditional

tourist attractions (other than several popular shrines), but high on chic and prestige. During the

day, it's mostly about shopping of the designer, status-symbol variety.

How far from Ploenchit / Chidlom to the UNESCAP Building:

- From Ploenchit to Rajdamnern (UNESCAP): 6 kilometers, about 21-minute driving

- From Chidlom to Rajdamnern (UNESCAP): 5 kilometers, about 20-minute driving

Means of Public Transportation

- Taxi

- Skytrain (BTS) – Ploenchit Station and Chidlom Station

SUKHUMVIT

Description:

Sukhumvit Road is a broad avenue that runs from Ploenchit in the central business district southeast

to the city outskirts. Sukhumvit has long been the expat area. There are food shops, pharmacies

and restaurants throughout the city, but the ones in Sukhumvit in particular seem more targeted

to international clientele. The BTS line runs directly down Sukhumvit Road. Accessibility to the BTS,

shops and markets make Sukhumvit a prime residential destination for internationally recruited

staff.

All types of residential dwellings can be found in this area of town. Two notable BTS stops are Thong

Lo and Phrom Pong. Thong Lor is a street with many trendy restaurants. Phrom Pong epitomizes

WHERE TO LIVE IN BANGKOK 5

Sukhumvit with a park, a shopping mall, grocery stores, bakeries,

restaurants, and spas within easy walking distance.

Prime Areas on Sukhumvit Road are Phrom Phong (Sukhumvit 24), Thong Lor (Sukhumvit 55) and

Ekkamai (Sukhumvit 63)

SUKHUMVIT 24 – PHROM PHONG

Click: SUKHUMVIT 24 – PHROM PHONG

Description:

In the wider Sukhumvit area, Phrom Phong offers numerous shopping opportunities and is on the

BTS line. A pleasant area with a park, art galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants to suit all tastes,

there are shops that sell foodstuffs imported from other Asian countries. Phrom Phong is

especially popular with Korean and Japanese expats.

How far from Phrom Phong to the UNESCAP Building:

- From Phrom Phong to Rajdamnern (UNESCAP): 9 kilometers, about 30-minute driving

Means of Public Transportation

- Taxi

- Skytrain (BTS) – Phrom Phong Station

WHERE TO LIVE IN BANGKOK 6

SUKHUMVIT 55 – THONGLOR

Click: SUKHUMVIT 55 – THONGLOR Map

Description:

Another trendy area of Bangkok that appeals to both tourists and residents. One of Bangkok’s

trendiest areas, you can expect to pay a premium for your property here. You’ll be surrounded by

classy bars, upmarket restaurants with Thai and international menus, designer boutiques, and

trendy malls. Thonglor appeals to expats from various countries who enjoy the finer things in life

and who have a modern outlook.

How far from Thonglor to the UNESCAP Building:

- From Thonglor to Rajdamnern (UNESCAP): 10 kilometers, about 45-minute driving

Means of Public Transportation

- Taxi

- Skytrain (BTS) – Thonglor Station

WHERE TO LIVE IN BANGKOK 7

ARI

Click: ARI Map

A little out of the city centre, peaceful Ari has a large expat population. It’s a great place to live

for those who want easy access to the city’s heart yet want a clean and peaceful neighborhood

with a local feel. A relatively safe part of Bangkok, Ari has a range of stores that sell imported

products, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Attracting families, couples, and lone expats, Ari has

something for everyone looking for a homey base in Bangkok

How far from Ari to the UNESCAP Building:

- From Thonglor to Rajdamnern (UNESCAP): 6 kilometers, about 15-minute driving

Means of Public Transportation

- Taxi

- Skytrain (BTS) – Ari Station

Other areas

Chaengwattana area: Chaengwattana Road, to the North of the city, leads to a very large

expatriate gated community called Nichada Thani, which has amenities to cover most needs; a

school, clubhouse, clinic, mini shops and so on. It takes around 40 to 60 minutes by expressway

from Nichada Thani to the downtown area, depending on traffic.

Bangna area: This area is located to the southeast of the city, and is convenient for the airport.

The BTS skytrain now extends into the area making access easier. This is where a couple of other

international schools are located.

WHERE TO LIVE IN BANGKOK 8

SUMMARY OF TRAVEL TIME to COMMUNTE TO ESCAP

Notes:

Cost expressed for regular cab and not GRAB

For Motorway, count in addition 50 THB of toll

For BTS frequent users, you may buy a "BTS rabbit card "

Please visit :

https://maps.google.com/landing/transit/index.html

https://www.transitbangkok.com/

From Sathorn Chong Nonsi

Type of transport Duration in average Cost in average (THB)

By taxi 30-40 minutes 100-150

By BTS + Taxi 50 minutes 70 + 15

By boat (if located close Chao Praya

River)

From Chitlom

Type of transport Duration in average Price in THB

By taxi 30 minutes 100-150

By BTS + Taxi 30 minutes 70

By boat + taxi 40 minutes Less than 100

From Phrom Pong

Type of transport Duration in average Price in THB

By taxi 35-45 minutes 150-250

By BTS + Taxi 45 min 150

By BTS + boat

From Thong Lo

Type of transport Duration in average Price in THB

By taxi 35-45 minutes 150-250

By BTS + Taxi 45 min 150

WHERE TO LIVE IN BANGKOK 9

Finding accommodation

It is preferable to go to an established agency. It is also useful to check the notice board on the

4th floor of the Service Building, the bulletin boards and Personal Ads. One can also walk into the

rental office in apartment buildings (not applicable to condominiums) to look at available

apartments and negotiate directly with the building management.

The followings are websites of real estate agencies that may be useful to you:

• Accom Asia, http://www.accomasia.co.th

• Bangkok Citismart, http://www.bkkcitismart.com

• Bangkok Home Quality, http://www.bangkokhomequality.com

• Capital One Real Estate, http://capitalone.in.th/

• Centre Point, http://www.centrepoint.com

• DC Property Search, http://www.propertytosearch.com

• House Condo Bangkok, http://www.housecondobangkok.com

• Thai Apartment, http://www.thaiapartment.com

TYPE OF HOUSING / RESIDENTS

Service Apartments

While you are considering your options, service apartments, a cross between living in a hotel and

an apartment, can be rented monthly and offer most items needed to run a household. A service

apartment is a saving grace, in case you do not find a permanent residence to move your effects

immediately. Expats without families and/or with short-term contracts spend their entire post in

service apartments. The most popular area of service apartments near the WBG office is the

Langsuan Road. When comparing rates, be sure to note whether electric and water, service

charges and government taxes are included.

Condominiums

Condominiums are distinguished from apartments in that the residences have been purchased

from the original developer. The advantages and disadvantages are similar to apartments.

Maintenance responses and decorations vary according to the respective owners.

Short Term Housing

In the event that the unit to be leased is not yet ready for occupancy upon start of duty, the staff

member may opt to stay at the service apartment. Below is the list of some service apartments.

Cape House

43 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Road,

Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330

Phone: (66) 02-6587444 Fax: (66) 02-6587488-9

WHERE TO LIVE IN BANGKOK 10

E-mail: sales@capehouse.com

www.capehouse.com

Grand Centre Point Ratchadamri

No.153/2, soiMahatlek- Luang 1 Ratchadamri Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330

Phone: +66 2 670 5000 Fax: +66 2 670 5100

E-mail: ratchadamri@centrepoint.com

www://grandecentrepointratchadamri.com/

Centre Point on Wireless Road

No.100, Wireless Road, Lumpini

Patumwan, Bangkok 10330.

Phone: (66) 02 659-5000

E-mail: reservations@centrepoint.com

www.centrepoint.com

Mayfair Marriott Executive Apartment

60 Soi Langsuan, Lumpini, Bangkok 10330

Phone: 66 (0) 664-9999

www.marriott.com

Emporium Suites

622 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Bangkok 10110

Phone: 66 (0) 2664 9999

Fax: 66 (0) 2664 9990

E-mail: info.es@chatrium.com

www.chatrium.com/emporium-suites

Other Temporary Accomodations

These properties can be rented on a short-term basis and basic necessities are often provided. A

list of accommodation can be found in the following:

• Alameda Suites Apartment, http://www.alamedasuites.com/

• Banglumpoo Place, http://www.banglumpooplace.net/en-us

• Beyond Suite Rama8, www.beyondsuiterama8.com/

• ESCAP Apartment, http://www.thaiapartment.com/apartment/escap-apartment-

pomprapsattruphai-4319

• Hotel De Moc http://www.hoteldemoc.com/

• Juan Manee, http://www.rentapartmentinbangkok.com/

• M.N Residence, http://www.mnresidence.com/

• Premier Living Place, http://www.premierlivingplace.com/

• Prince Palace Hotel http://www.princepalace.co.th/

• PSB Apartments, https://www.psbapartment.com/

• Ratchadamnoen Residence, http://ratchadamnoen-residence.com/

• Royal Princess Hotel https://www.dusit.com/dusitprincess/larnluangbangkok

• Ruen Indra Court, http://www.ruenindra.com/

• Suwannin Place, https://www.suwanninplace.com/

• The East Bank, http://eastbankresidence.com/

• U-Place, http://u-placebangkok.com/

WHERE TO LIVE IN BANGKOK 11

LEASE CONDITIONS

Lease Terms

Leases are usually arranged for 1 or 2 years with an option to renew. Diplomatic clauses should be

negotiated into the lease. Landlords, in addition to one month’s rent in advance, expect a 1-2

month’s security deposit. Please retain all receipts for security deposits and monthly payments.

If there are issues to resolve (low water pressure, pool pump replacement), make sure to have

agreement on these before signing the lease and moving in to the home. Please consider

documenting any prior dents or scratches to the home with photographs, as Thai landlords are

sticklers for damage to residences or the furniture and appliances within them. They are reluctant

to return the security deposit without using a portion of it to re-do wooden floors or repaint walls.

Brokerage Fees

The owner of the property is responsible for the broker’s fee for the realtor.

Security Deposit

The staff member should be prepared to pay for 1 or 2 month’s security deposit and one

month’s rent in advance.